Rollover accidents are among the most violent and life-altering motor vehicle crashes. Unlike many other collisions, rollover accidents frequently involve multiple impacts as a vehicle overturns one or more times, subjecting occupants to tremendous forces from every direction. Even when seat belts and airbags function properly, victims often suffer catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

At Flynn Law, our experienced rollover accident lawyers represent individuals and families throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York who have been seriously injured because of another person’s negligence. Whether your accident occurred in Wilmington, Philadelphia, Camden, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, or another community within our four-state service area, we are prepared to investigate every aspect of your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.

What Is a Rollover Accident?

A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof and rotates one or more times before coming to rest. Some rollovers occur after striking another vehicle, while others involve only a single vehicle leaving the roadway.

These accidents often involve:

Because occupants may be tossed violently inside the vehicle—or even ejected if not properly restrained—rollover accidents frequently produce devastating injuries.

Why Rollover Accidents Are So Dangerous

Unlike a typical collision involving a single point of impact, rollover crashes expose occupants to repeated impacts as the vehicle overturns.

Occupants may strike:

If the roof collapses during the rollover, occupants may suffer crushing injuries that permanently alter their lives.

Vehicles Most Likely to Roll Over

Although any vehicle can roll over under the right circumstances, some vehicles have a higher center of gravity, making them more susceptible.

Vehicles commonly involved include:

A higher center of gravity increases the likelihood that a vehicle will tip during sudden steering maneuvers or after striking roadside obstacles.

Common Causes of Rollover Accidents

Many rollover crashes are entirely preventable and result from negligence.

Common causes include:

Many rollover crashes begin as another type of collision before escalating into a far more serious event.

Tire Blowouts and Mechanical Failures

Vehicle defects remain an important cause of rollover accidents.

Examples include:

When mechanical failures contribute to a rollover, manufacturers, distributors, maintenance providers, or repair facilities may share legal responsibility.

Roadway Conditions Can Trigger Rollovers

Dangerous road conditions often contribute to rollover crashes.

Examples include:

Government entities or construction contractors may be liable when dangerous conditions create an unreasonable risk to motorists.

Common Injuries Following Rollover Accidents

Because occupants experience multiple impacts and violent movement inside the vehicle, injuries are often catastrophic.

Common injuries include:

Many victims require emergency surgery, intensive care, rehabilitation, adaptive medical equipment, and lifelong medical treatment.

Roof Crush Injuries

One of the greatest dangers during a rollover accident is roof intrusion.

If the roof collapses into the passenger compartment, occupants may suffer:

Vehicle manufacturers are expected to design vehicles capable of protecting occupants during foreseeable rollover events. When a roof fails to perform as intended, a product liability claim may exist.

Ejection Accidents

Occupants who are not wearing seat belts face a significantly greater risk of being partially or completely ejected during a rollover.

Ejection dramatically increases the likelihood of:

Even partial ejections can result in life-changing injuries requiring extensive medical care.

Investigating a Rollover Accident

Because rollover crashes often involve multiple contributing factors, thorough investigation is essential.

Important evidence includes:

At Flynn Law, we work with qualified experts when necessary to determine exactly why the rollover occurred and identify every potentially responsible party.